Did you ever have one of those seasons in your life where you just couldn’t quit crying? Sometimes you don’t even know why you are crying or you cry over the silliest things; like folding your hubby’s underwear or watching him sleep in his recliner. That’s been me lately. If you are new here… my hubby is facing major surgery to remove his bladder which is filled with cancer. It’s been going on for almost 5 years now and things are about to radically change. Sometimes I have a peace about what is going to happen and sometimes I just don’t understand all that is taking place. BUT in the middle of it all, I still know a few things… The Lord loves me. The Lord loves my hubby. I will never turn my back on Him. I will trust Him, even when I can’t see the way. I will STILL love Him when it’s as dark as it’s ever been.
Then right in the middle of all those tears and darkness the Lord sent a ray of sunshine in my (our) lives. It came in the mail…a package filled with wonderful gifts and sweet words of encouragement. We were overwhelmed at the generosity of this reader and are so humbled that she took time to share some love with us. Gift cards from every kind of place and even one “just for me”… Joann Fabrics! There was the most beautiful little note pad that will be a joy to write notes on, a pretty little Prayer Box and probably (at least) her 75th card to us! I felt like the Lord was telling us, “I’ll take care of you!”
Then a few days later, another box came in the mail… from a different reader. She filled her box with a new brown “Homeless” sweater…(If you missed that post, you can read it HERE.) Potholders, an oven mitt, aqua Fiskars kitchen scissors, kitchen utensils, sachets, kitchen towels, CHOCOLATES!, even 3 books for my hubby…one on Pigeons! There was the most wonderful letter, and a sweet card I’ll never forget… all packed inside the prettiest butterfly box!
Yes…my table is loaded down again with all kinds of remodeling “stuff” again.
There have also been other gifts sent recently that were unbelievable…and over the top. Thank you to everyone who has blessed us. This is new territory for me and I’m not sure how to really say thank you…
I believe you should give honor to those who deserve it when it’s in your power to do so. This was the best way I knew how. Thank you ladies, for helping me realize I’m not in this alone… I have a support group that is the most fantastic gathering of ladies (and I just saw where a new man had joined us…) Sometimes I can’t sleep at night and all of a sudden I’ll hear my phone buzz, pick it up and a sweet email will be there from one of my readers, praying for me, encouraging me, giving me hope… I can’t tell you how very blessed and humbled I am by you. I never dreamed “little ole me” could decide to write a blog about sewing and dolls and end up with so many friends around the world. May the Lord bless you all in your lives; may He bless you abundantly as He has blessed me. I’m so glad to have you as part of my blog family and I’d love to meet every single one of you if I could.
See you when I can,
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m so sorry for all the trials you and your husband are going through. I only just found your blog a couple of weeks ago, and have been reading it ever since. I pray for both of you often, that you will have an abundance of God’s grace to cope with whatever you must go through.
Here’s a beautiful old hymn, written in 1911 by Lida Shivers Leech. The words have often been a great comfort to me. May they be the same for you.
Someday He’ll Make It Plain
I do not know why oft ’round me
My hopes all shattered seem to be;
God’s perfect plan I cannot see,
But someday I’ll understand.
Refrain:
Someday He’ll make it plain to me,
Someday when I His face shall see;
Someday from tears I shall be free,
For someday I shall understand.
I cannot tell the depth of love,
Which moves the Father’s heart above;
My faith to test, my love to prove,
But someday I’ll understand.
Though trials come through passing days,
My life will still be filled with praise;
For God will lead through darkened ways,
But someday I’ll understand.
Much love to you both.
Thank you for the hymn lyrics, Sarah. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that one before. I’ll have to look it up on the internet and see if I can find out it goes.
I’m glad you found my blog recently and hope you’ll join in again.
Blessings, Jeanne
You are indeed blessed. You have been a wonderful friend to us over the years and now we, in our own ways, are trying to return that friendship.
Have a wonderful day!
Take care –
Thank you do much for your friendship Charlotte. It’s nice to see your comments everyday!
Blessings, Jeanne
See, Jeanne? You life has touched ours, and your readers are such wonderful, caring, and unselfish people that we just have to love you back and do so by praying for you, sharing with you and sending gifts. You certainly do deserve it!
Oh my, how generous is the box of gift cards! I don’t know of anyone who couldn’t use one or all of those! It certainly takes a generous person to give a gift like that, so thanks to “whoever” you are! You are the best to give “our” Jeanne such a thoughtful gift!
And the bright colored towels and kitchen items in the other box! Just think of how colorful and springlike your kitchen will be with them in it! The box is as beautiful as the rest of the items! Another wonderful, caring person to the rescue to make Jeanne feel a bit better, and not a bit, a WHOLE LOT!
What a wonderful start to our day to see these wonderful gifts! Thank you Jeanne, for showing them, and to make us all smile!
Thank you Linda,
I have been helping George with the “under the sink” stuff, the garbage disposal and getting the wires run for the dishwasher since we moved it.
I am hoping to sell my “1958” Kohler cast iron farmhouse sink so I worked on it this morning getting it ready. I think I “get” to buy a new faucet! Some of the Lowes card will go for that!! YAY!!
Thank you for your friendship Linda. I appreciate your sweet spirit very much!
Blessings, Jeanne
I just woke up and thanked God for a new day. This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Each day is a gift. I read your blog and your words touched my heart as did the outpouring of love from your readers. Unspeakable kindness and love and a wonderful encouragement. Praying that God will give you and your husband a peace that passeth all understanding as you lean on God’s everlasting arms. Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. What is so AMAZING about God’s grace is that just the time we need it, he gives us what we need each day. Thank you for taking the time to share your heart. Love and prayers to you both. One of my most favorite Bible verses is Psalms 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me and a strong tower from the enemy.
Hi Laureen,
Thank you very much for your kind comments filled with scriptures of hope! Each day IS a gift…you are so right!
Thanks for your prayers!
Blessings, Jeanne
Isn’t it wonderful and almost overwhelming when you feel God’s arms around you hugging you, lifting you up, supporting you through your generous, compassionate and adoring friends. God is faithful to supply all your needs and with never leave you or forsake you. What a tremendous promise He has given us. Thanks for blessing us with your love and enthusiasm for life. You help light up my day with your heart felt posts. Have a blessed day.
Thank you Gloria,
It really IS wonderful to feel the Lord loving you through friends and “family!”
Love you Gloria!!!
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, I truly believe that God does His work through His people. We are His hands here on earth. Right now God is holding your hand through us. My favorite Bible verse is “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Know that God is providing strength to you each day.
Thank you Dorothy,
I love how you said everyone is holding my hand through Him. There are times when I really feel Him through you all! It’s so nice to NOT be alone in all this…
Thank you so much, Dorothy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne – Thank you so much for sharing this post with us this morning. You, George and your family are a blessing to us. You have set a wonderful example of giving and have inspired us to do the same. I found your words and those of your readers very uplifting and reminded me that God is always with us and yes as that beautiful hymn states we don’t always know God’s plan; we must have faith and trust in him.
Thank you Jeanne and your very generous readers for helping to put things in proper perspective.
Wishing all a beautiful, blessed day
Hi Leigh,
Thank you very much for your kind comments today. My hubby and I are in a pretty sobering state right now… it seems like we say please and thank you a little more often and listen to what each other has to say a little closer.
My very generous readers have made me realize how much our kindnesses can affect others. I want to try harder! :o)
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeannie… you have blessed each one of us through your Blog of Friendship and your sewing talents. Is is OUR privilege to share your life.. the good, the bad, ..the ugly.. and the promise of better things ahead:)
Lovely gifts.. but no more lovlier than your heart:)each onecwas selected with you in mind (well, maybe not Home Depot., that’s definitely for hubby! ?
Hi Shara,
My favorite line in your comments is the one about the “promise of better things ahead!!” I’m all for that part!
We’ve been working on the disposal and dishwasher hook up and when we get done, we are going to “Lowes” to look at new faucets. I have my old sink all cleaned up and ready to list on Craigslist. I hope somebody out there wants a VERY heavy 1958 Kohler cast iron farmhouse sink with 2 drainboards!!!
Thanks so much Shara,
Blessings, Jeanne
God always knows who and what we need. This post brought a smile and a tear to my eyes. I am so thankful that God is encouraging you in the ways he knows is best. How good he is! You both are in my prayers and I am thankful that even in the little ways they are being answered!
Hi Sarah,
The wonderful thing about the Lord is how He surprises you when you seem to need it the most! The 2 boxes and the other gifts I received recently will last me for the next 6 months I’m sure!!! He is so good to us and I just had to share it with you all!
Thanks for your sweet words, Sarah,
Blessings, Jeanne
So happy for you, Jeanne. I thank God for blessing you with these angels…
Praying for you! I actually saw George the other morning as I was headed out for work and sent up a quick prayer while I was driving 🙂
Love you!! xoxo
Hi Ariel,
Did you see him on your road? He was on his way to meet with a guy who he found to mow momma’s grass for awhile or until we sell her house.
Thanks for your prayers Ariel,
Love you too,
Blessings, Jeanne
Gifts from the heart are always the best. You have some unbelievably generous and caring readers. You and George deserve everything and more.
Hoping you have heard about the appointment as I think we are all waiting to hear.
Foggy here this morning and maybe some rain by the end of the week. Everything is in bloom. The roses are especially lovely.
Hi Joy,
Yes, gifts from the heart ARE always the best…like Betsy and Holly…surprise gifts are the absolute best!! Believe me, I was surprised!
We heard first that his appointment was going to be May 8th…then the next day they called and said the robotic machine wasn’t going to be available that day until after 3pm…his surgery is 8 hours so it was too late to start that day. The next available day was May 24th!!! I about croaked. His dr said to do it ASAP… May 24th doesn’t sound like ASAP to me. That’s when the tears started coming like a flood!!!
We have lots of trees blooming and some flowers are up but no roses yet!
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
I’m sure we all have had a season of tears, I can recall two seasons myself. The Lord does strengthen during those times. As Joy said you and George deserve everything and more! I feel Gods love pouring out in all the encouraging words your readers write. You truly have sweet, loving readers who care about you and your family.
We had a lovely time in S. Carolina. We left New York @3am Friday, drove almost 800 miles in 12 hours. We had a fun time with my son, daughter in-law and the 3 grandkids friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday, then monday @ 3am drove home this time it took 13 hours. Always a fun time but the drive is long! It was sweet of you to ask about my visit, thank you.
Continued prayers
Hugs
Ingrid
Hi Ingrid,
As I’ve read through the comments again and again and left comments, I am just overwhelmed with gratefulness and humility at the same time. You are so right about the sweet loving readers I have…I could not be more blessed with so many wonderful readers who are tender hearted and kind with their words.
I am so glad you had a nice visit with your son and his family. Long trips are worth it to see the “grands” I’m sure! I bet they enjoy grandma and grandpa as much as you enjoy seeing them.
Thank you so much Ingrid,
Blessings, Jeanne
Everyone has so eloquently said what all of us feel about you and George and the love for your blog. I am at a loss of words because it would be copying what others have already said. All we can do is pray, love you and hopefully lift you up when days are hard for you both. The touch of the Lord’s hand will always be on your shoulder and He will not leave you.
What sweet and happy gifts too from your readers. It makes us happy to see you feel special and loved. What great friends you have even though you’ve never met them. That says a lot about how precious you are.
Blessing to you and may your day be a lovely and peaceful day.
Hi Paula,
It’s amazing how wonderful a gift, whether it be a sweet card, a gift card to a restaurant, a pair of kitchen scissors, a dish towl, or something else can make your spirits lighten up.
I have truly been blessed these last few weeks. I wish everyone could feel the love I feel from total strangers. It’s weird but so fun all wrapped up in one. I have learned just how important it is to bless others and to not take that lightly, don’t put it off, and always be on the lookout for ones who need it the most!
Thanks so much, Paula
Blessings, Jeanne
It’s so nice when people express their appreciation, and yes, we do appreciate you! Your blog is a respite filled with positive thoughts and pretty dolly dresses that I can escape to after a stressful day. Your writing style makes each of us feel we know you as a “real-life” friend who shares the ups and downs of their life with us.
I think I may be as excited about the gifs as you are. The gift cards to various restaurants will come in handy when you are traveling to George’s appointments, and everything was chosen with a lot of thought and kindness.
Like many of your readers, I am still praying for a good outcome for George’s surgery. I’m so glad God can use his children to express His love for you.
Thank you so much Carolyn,
It’s nice to be appreciated and you all have done such a wonderful job of it! How could I NOT be blessed by everyone’s thoughtful comments and gifts to us. I wish we could all participate in a little video where I could hear everyone’s voice. I’d love to know what you all sound like! :o)
The gift cards will come in very handy as we travel and “are without a sink” although my hubby is just about done with the hooking up part. We can’t run any water though, until the countertop gets set in place and then the sink drains can be connected… so it might be a little longer.
Thanks so much for your prayers. I’m never giving up!
Blessings, Jeanne
You bless us with your blog all the time. It’s the first thing I look for in the morning. Thanks for keeping us updated on your other wonderful friends and showing us the super gifts they have sent. We all thank those who send both their prayers and their earthly gifts that are so much fun.
I hadn’t thought of the robotics not being available. My goodness. I knew it would be used but didn’t realize how rare they are if it needs booking that far ahead. Aren’t patients fortunate that it exists as a relatively new lifesaving technique? We will hope things happen sooner for sure. Thanks for the update. We’re here for you albeit by long distance.
Thank you Susette,
I feel so honored that you read my blog first thing each day! I certainly was blessed with wonderful readers who turned out to be wonderful friends!!!
I think I’m going to pack my bag soon in case they call and have a cancellation. I’d like to be ready. George won’t need as much as I will.
I never realized how nice long distance friends were until I started this blog!
Blessings, Jeanne
I think I’ll pray for a cancellation. I also think that being packed and ready is an excellent idea. I’m getting tense enough that I want your car tuned up as well and a back-up ready. The waiting room is going to be full of the people who are there in spirit. 8 hours is going to be very long for you.
Congratulations on all your kitchen work. It’s going to be lovely to have a working sink again, but something seems to work again nearly every day at your house. It won’t be long, and to have a garbage disposal as well is going to be another whole new nice adventure.
Hi Marilyn,
A cancellation is just what I’m praying for too!
I’ll sit there and picture all of you in the waiting room with me! Since you mentioned it first, you get to sit next to me! :o)
All my new treasures will be fun to use!
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m sorry I missed the post yesterday. I’ve had a lot going on that I’m responsible for lately.
My one kitty had surgery and now I have a large bill I wasn’t expecting. I need to scout around and find some things to sell. What wonderful things you have been blessed with, Jeanne. How sweet of those readers to send you such useful and pretty things.
I wouldn’t have guessed that the robotics would need to be booked so far in advance. I’ll pray that a cancellation comes through for you as well.
Spring has finally arrived for us and I’m loving seeing all the bulb flowers.
HI Laura,
I hope your kitty is better today… and I know about expensive vet bills… yikes!
I was blessed with some very wonderful things and still can’t believe them!
I’m hoping against all hope that a cancellation comes pretty soon… I’m really struggling with the waiting.
I think Spring has arrived here too… I have flip flops on today! It MUST be Spring! :o)Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne